The vehicle CCTV camera solutions specialist Centrad has warned operators of the risk of equipping vehicles with insufficient equipment ahead of the new DVS deadline. From 28th October, HGVs over 12-tonne need to meet a minimum three star DVS rating or be fitted with a Progressive Safe System (PSS) which includes a Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) and Moving Off Information System (MOIS).
Geoff Cross, managing director of Centrad, said: “Despite being nearly 12 months on after the initial announcement from TfL, there still remains much confusion amongst operators, predominantly as a result of misinformation being spread on what Progressive Safe Systems are required to be retrofitted onto their vehicles so they comply with the incoming changes.
“We are receiving an alarming number of enquiries in particular regarding operators being recommended non-compliant or cheap equipment from suppliers, both of which will result in them being unable to attain a valid permit, and as such lead them to incur repeated penalty charges or at worst reduce or halt their operations altogether.
“While the PSS is based on the equipment used in the existing Safe System requirement implemented during DVS Phase One, additional solutions such as the MOIS and BSIS will be required for vehicles to reach the appropriate star rating – and as such the new updates go beyond the requirements of the previous mandate and existing equipment that was retrofitted to ensure compliance may soon be redundant under the incoming guidance.
“Operators ultimately need to heed caution when aligning themselves to a DVS partner as there seem to be several new entrants coming into the market that lack both a detailed understanding of the latest updates and insist on supplying inferior equipment to customers. Partnering with the correct supplier, and subsequently agreeing a strategically thought out and compliant DVS transition plan, is also crucial to ensure that vehicles are retrofitted prior to the October deadline.
“While there is a grace period, TfL has not accounted for the limited availability of installers which will cause issues for those who leave retrofitting new equipment onto their fleets to the last minute, and will furthermore result in operators being left out in the wilderness even with the extension in place.”
